The Shepherd Center, an interfaith volunteer organization in Fall River, sponsors a "Healthy Bones" exercise group every Monday morning at the Union United Methodist Church on Highland Avenue. Founded by members Estelle Roch and Muriel Fiore, this group of seniors has been meeting for more than six years and has included over thirty people over the years. Emphasizing low-impact exercises that improve balance, flexibility, strength, cognition and even mood, the group seeks to reduce the risk of falls and osteoporosis. The group also provides considerable social support among its members. For more information about the Healthy Bones group, e-mail Kathy Brennan or call the Shepherd Center office at 508-678-7575.
 

(Top row, left) Edward Smith, Mary Frances Elkington, Albert Canuel, Estelle Roch and Ruth Hurley (Top row, right) raise their arms in one of the flexibility exercises the group goes through each session. (Bottom row, center) Estelle, Ruth, Mary Frances and Edward put on their leg weights in preparation for a series of leg lift exercises designed to increase lower body strength. (Bottom row, right) Ruth Hurley and Maureen O'Rourke practice their leg lifts with the weights.